Ten LGBTI youth arrested in Cameroon, released for small ransom

Cameroon human rights group Transamical intervened to set them free.

Flag of Cameroon
On the night of Nov. 23, ten LGBTI youth were arrested in Bafoussam, in western Cameroon, as they were leaving a friend’s birthday party.
According to witnesses, a group of men identified only as “men in uniform”  arrested them because of their clothing and appearance, then demanded money in exchange for the youths’ release.
Those arrested immediately contacted the human rights advocacy organization Transamical around 1 a.m. to request support. After lengthy negotiations, the youths were released upon payment of 50,000 FCFA (about US $88).
Transamical Cameroon works to protect and promote the rights of the LGBTI community, especially trans youths.
 
Bafoussam is in western Cameroon near the Nigerian border. (Map courtesy of Wikipedia)
A climate of fear and extortion
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This incident illustrates a recurring practice in Cameroon: arbitrary arrests and extortion targeting LGBTI people, often carried out by individuals posing as law enforcement. These practices reinforce the climate of fear and insecurity in which LGBTI communities live, particularly in provincial towns.
The role of local organizations
Transamical’s swift intervention prevented prolonged detention and ensured the young people’s safe release. However, the case highlights the vulnerability of LGBTI people to abuse and the need for strengthened advocacy to protect their fundamental rights.